By Fatima Kpala
Port Loko District, Sierra Leone – January 29, 2026: The High Court of Sierra Leone, sitting in Kambia, has sentenced Finda Aziz Turay to five years imprisonment after convicting her of illegal possession of drugs.
Turay was arraigned on four counts, including unlawful possession of drugs contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008) and selling of drugs contrary to Section 7(c) of the same Act. She pleaded guilty to count one—illegal possession of drugs without lawful authority—but denied counts two, three, and four.
In mitigation, defence counsels M. Korie Esq. and T.P.M. Sowa argued that Turay is a first-time offender and a mother of two children. They noted that she had not wasted the court’s time and appealed for leniency, requesting either a minimal custodial sentence or a fine as an alternative under Section 12(3) of the National Drugs Control Act. Counsel further argued that imprisonment would jeopardize her career, which serves as her main source of income.
Prosecution counsel Tholley Esq., however, urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offence, noting that Turay was found in possession of thirty-nine wraps of kush weighing 34.6 grams. He reminded the court that the law prescribes a mandatory custodial sentence of not less than five years for such offences.
Delivering judgment, Hon. Justice Sahr Kekura J. acknowledged the plea in mitigation, including Turay’s cooperation and her profession. Nonetheless, he imposed the minimum sentence required by law, sentencing her to five years imprisonment on count one.
The prosecution is expected to continue presenting evidence on counts two, three, and four to determine Turay’s guilt on those charges. The matter has been adjourned to January 29, 2026, for further proceedings.